Banksy Film Unveiled at Sundance Festival in articles from the artzine on artrepublic.comThe infamous street artist Banksy, known world over for his overt and very witty political and social commentaries has turned is hand to filmmaking. ‘Exit Through The Gift Shop’ will have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday 24th January. The film is a collaboration between Banksy and French filmaker Thierry Guetta AKA the artist Mr Brainwash. It will be the first time the elusive artist, who has never revealed his identity, has spoken on camera. The film is billed as "the world's first street art disaster movie" and its inclusion in the festival has been shrouded in secrecy. View a trailer of the movie on YouTube. The film was actually left off the official programme, but speculation about the festival's Spotlight Surprise turned to Banksy after four stencils, believed to be by the artist, appeared on walls in Park City, where the festival is held. Aside from Park City Banksy has also been very busy in London where four new stencils also appeared. Activity from Banksy usually spells some interesting activity is just round the corner and this is one thing many street art fans will be waiting for with baited breath. Banksy is known for teasing his audience, toying with authority, and continually pulling the wool over people's eyes to stage unexpected stunts. It is described as the story of how a documentary filmmaker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on him. Banksy said: "It's the story of how one man set out to film the un-filmable. And failed". The film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, and many of the world's most infamous graffiti artists at work including Banksy’s American counterpart Obey. But until the film is shown, it is not known whether Banksy's identity will be revealed. In the past, the artist has both mythologised and subverted his own image, so the film could raise as many questions as it answers. The director of the Sundance Festival has said that the story was so bizarre he questioned whether it could be real. "Exit Through The Gift Shop is one of those films that comes along once in a great while, a warped hybrid of reality and self-induced fiction while at the same time a totally entertaining experience," he added. Exit Through The Gift Shop is due to open in UK cinemas on 5 March. If you are interested in Banksy and would like to know further information or to enquire about other works and artists we have in the gallery call +44 (0)20 7240 7909 or email soho@artrepublic.com Return to our London section 
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